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Biotechnology

  • BSc (Hons)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21 September 2026
  • Undergraduate
Sutton Bonington Campus
More about University of Nottingham

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

What is biotechnology?
Biotechnology is a subject that combines biological science and technology to develop innovative products by changing the genetic make-up of biological cells. Biotechnology impacts on the quality of our lives and the world we live in.

Biotechnologists tackle global issues in healthcare, energy, environment, food, and agriculture to:

  • develop new life-saving medicines

  • feed growing populations by generating plants with better nutritional value

  • reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing cleaner biofuels

What you'll study
On this degree, you can study modules relating to microbial, plant and animal biotechnology:

  • microbial biotechnology – learn how to to genetically manipulate microorganisms to make better medicines, ensure food safety, and remediate the environment

  • plant biotechnology – genetically modify plants to increase crop growth and make them disease resistant

  • animal biotechnology – understand the physiology, reproduction and nutrition of animals to improve growth, welfare, and develop new disease treatments

Throughout the degree you can choose the aspects of biotech that interest you most.

Topics include:

  • genes and cells

  • analysis of gene expression

  • molecular pharming

  • microbiology and immunology

  • genomes and gene editing techniques

  • protein expression

  • ethics of biotechnology

Why choose this course?

  • Accredited Course – Accredited by the Royal Society of Biology, this course equips you with well-rounded knowledge and skill sets, making you highly employable.

  • Improve Lives – Learn the latest techniques to develop new products and processes that improve our lives.

  • Specialist Labs – Study in specialist laboratories of molecular biology, genetics, cell culture and microbiology.

  • Practical Course – Use our facilities for gene cloning and sequencing to build your practical knowledge

  • Be Taught by Experts – Experts in the field give lectures and thought-provoking debates about the ethical, commercial and environmental concerns

  • Add an Additional Year – Choose to add a study abroad year, year in industry or year in computer science when you join.

Study abroad
On many of our Faculty of Science courses, you get the chance to spend a semester or an academic year at one of our partner universities across the world.
Read what it's like to study abroad and how it can open new doors for adventures, connections and opportunities.

Modules

For detailed information about the modules you will study, please visit the course page: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/studywithus/ugstudy/courses/UG/Biotechnology-BSc-Hons-U6UBTECH.html

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Sutton Bonington Campus

Study options

  • BSc (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2026

Apply by
14 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
J700
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus
Campus Code:
S
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Nottingham has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
14 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
J700
Institution code:
N84
Campus name:
Sutton Bonington Campus
Campus Code:
S

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

A level
BBB - BBC

BBB or ABC including B in Biology

Alternatively, BBC including B in Biology plus an A in the EPQ or Level 3 Core Maths.

Citizenship Studies, Critical Thinking, General Studies, Science and Society and Leisure Studies are not accepted.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied.

Access to HE Diploma
D: 21 credits M: 18 credits P: 6 credits

This qualification will be considered where appropriate science content is being studied.

The requirement is 60 credits overall with 45 graded credits at Level 3. 21 credits must be achieved at Distinction; 18 credits at Merit and 6 at Pass.

15 graded Level 3 credits must be achieved at minimum grade Merit from biology units.

Scottish Higher
BBBBB

This qualification is accepted in combination with two Scottish Advanced Highers at BB in two science subjects (including Biology)

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DM

This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grade B. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied.

The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

This qualification will be considered alongside A Level grades B,C. Applications are considered on an individual basis to ensure sufficient science has been studied.

The required A Levels for mixed BTEC and A Level grade profiles depends on the science content studied in the BTEC.

Scottish Advanced Higher
BB

BB including Biology.

This qualification is accepted in combination with five Scottish Highers at grades BBBBB.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
28 points

including Higher Level 5 in Biology.

Alternatively, 555 or 654 in 3 Higher Level certificates including 5 in Biology.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
A - C

This qualification is accepted as equivalent to a non-biology A Level.

Extended Project
A

Considered alongside 3 A levels or equivalent including Biology.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

GCSE English and Maths grade C/4.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
A

This qualification is considered alongside 3 A-levels (or equivalent). Level 3 Core Maths qualifications from other awarding bodies are also acceptable:

  • Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics in Context
  • OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths A (MEI)
  • OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B (MEI)

A 1-grade lower offer will only be considered for applicants studying 3 A Levels or equivalent plus a Level 3 Core Maths qualification where A Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics has not been studied.

T Level
M

T Levels will be considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure sufficient biology has been studied; please contact us for more information.

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6Minimum 5.5 in each element.
TOEFL (iBT)80Minimum 17 in Writing and Listening; 18 in Reading and 20 in Speaking.
PTE Academic65Minimum 59 in each element.

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We consider applicants solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential – we use exam grades to prioritise applicants but look at a range of factors and aim to give everyone an equal opportunity to show their achievements.

We understand that background and personal circumstances can have an impact on academic performance at school or college. Applicants who are eligible under our contextual admissions policies may be considered for a reduced contextual offer.

Learn more on the University of Nottingham website

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

View undergraduate tuition fees for UK and international students: https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/fees/tuitionfees/202627/undergraduate.aspx

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